Study on American Slang from the Cultural and Linguistic Perspectives
ABSTRACT
American slang is a special linguistic form, and is an indispensable part of American language. American slang reflects that the internal function of linguistic has been influenced by culture and endowed with unique character that other words does not possess or does not completely possess. American slang is a kind of words that has rich cultural meaning and special carrier of American culture. This thesis analyses features of American slang on cultural and linguistic perspective. By doing this, we may know much about American culture, and in turn get better understanding of slang by learning the cultural background behind them.
Key Words：American slang American culture Linguistic feature Cultural characteristics
从文化和语言视角探讨美国俚语
摘 要
摘要：美国俚语是一种特殊的语言形式，是美国语言不可缺少的重要组成部分，它反映了文化影响语言的内在作用，还具有其他词汇层所无或不全具备的独特风格，是一种极富文化涵义的词汇，是美国文化的特殊载体。要深入研究美国文化，俚语是重要的手段之一。对于美国俚语的研究可以帮助我们对美国英语及美国文化有更深的理解。该论文将从文化和语言学的角度对美国俚语进行探讨。通过美国俚语透视美国文化及形成该文化的社会土壤。
关键词：美国俚语 美国文化 语言特征 文化特点
Contents
ABSTRACT I
摘 要 II
1. Introduction 1
1.1 The Definition of Slang 1
1.2 The Nature of Slang 2
1.3the Characteristics of American Slang 3
1.3.1 Brevity 3
1.3.2 Novelty 3
1.3.3 Instability 4
1.3.4 Plural Synonym 5
1.4 The Emergence of Slang in the United States 5
2. The Linguistic Features of American Slang 8
2.1. Rhetoric Features 8
2.1.1. Euphemism 8
2.1.2 Figure of Speech 8
2.1.3 Hyperbole 8
2.2 Semantic Features 9
2.2.1 Phonetic Humor 9
2.2.2 Lexical Humor 9
3. American Slang as a Mirror of American Culture 12
3.1 Two Characteristics of American Slang Embodied in American Dominant Culture 12
3.2 Slang as an Insight into a Culture 12
3.3 Dominant American Cultural Patterns 13
3.4 Three American Slang Mapping American Subculture and Counterculture 13
3.4.1 Introduction of Subculture and its Relationship with American Slang 14
3.4.2 Introduction of Counterculture and its Relationship with American Slang 15
4. Conclusion 17
Bibliography 18
Acknowledgements 19
